This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
Here’s how to make tartar sauce! This easy homemade recipe whips up in minutes with a handful of pantry staples, making a fresh, zesty dip for seafood, veggies, and fries.
There are some sauces that I can’t live without, and this tartar sauce recipe is one of them! Seafood is loads tastier with this creamy spread, punctuated with tangy pops of pickles and capers. Use it as a smear for your salmon burger or a dipping sauce for salmon cakes, and it elevates them to new heights!
In fact, I think this sauce is 100% required for salmon or crab cakes. Why homemade tartar sauce? It takes just a few minutes to whip up and results in absolutely incredible flavor that’s punchier than store-bought.
How to Make Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce that’s often served with seafood. It’s common in the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, and around the world.
The exact origin is unknown, but it’s very similar to remoulade sauce, which was invented in France in the 17th century. There are some slight differences in ingredients between the two, but they are very similar and can be used almost interchangeably.
Tartar sauce is simple to make; just mix together a few easy ingredients. Here’s how to make tartar sauce (or jump right to the recipe for exact quantities):
- Chop the fresh ingredients: Finely chop the shallot and capers.
- Mix: Mix them with the dill relish, white wine vinegar, sugar, dried dill, salt and mayonnaise.
- Chill: Serve immediately or chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
Ways to Serve It
There are many ways to serve tartar sauce, but it’s best with seafood. It also works with vegetables or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers. You can use it to add big flavor to vegetarian dishes, too! Here are a few great ways to use it:
- Crab cakes or salmon cakes: Use as a dipping sauce for salmon cakes, tuna cakes or crab cakes.
- Vegan crab cakes: Use vegan mayo and serve with vegan crab cakes.
- Salmon or shrimp burgers: Spread onto salmon burgers or shrimp burgers.
- Baked salmon: Drizzle onto broiled salmon or baked salmon.
- Shrimp: Use as a dipping sauce for sauteed shrimp or baked shrimp.
- French fries: It’s a fantastic dip for baked French fries.
- Vegetables: Or, dip veggies like crispy breaded cauliflower or roasted broccoli.
- Sandwiches: Spread it on a coleslaw and Swiss melt sandwich or a vegetarian reuben.
Vegan Option
This tartar sauce recipe isn’t just for seafood! You can use it as a dip for vegetables or on vegan sandwiches to add major flavor. (In fact, I’m dying to try a vegan faux-fish sandwich with the stuff. Let me know if you have a good recipe!)
How can I make this vegan tartar sauce? Simply use your favorite brand of vegan mayo! Some brands have questionable flavors, so experiment to find one you love.
Storage Notes
Once you’ve mixed up the tartar sauce, how long does it last? You can refrigerate homemade tartar sauce for up to 3 weeks. While some people may advise less time, mayonnaise is very stable in the refrigerator. I like to make a big batch and use it for recipes over a few weeks. You only use a little bit at a time!
Dietary Notes
Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. For vegan, use vegan mayonnaise.
Easy Tartar Sauce
Here’s how to make tartar sauce! This easy homemade recipe whips up in minutes with a handful of pantry staples to make a fresh, zesty dip for seafood, veggies, and fries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 ¼ cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup finely minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon capers, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons dill relish (or finely minced pickles)
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together all ingredients. Serve immediately or allow to chill for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
